Demonstrating Flood Resilient Technologies

We met up with Stephen Garvin, Director of BRE’s new Centre for Resilience to discuss resilient technologies. With increases in extreme weather events across the world we need to find new designs, processes and technologies to tackle the challenge. Dr Garvin is currently looking for technologies and solutions to incorporate into the Flood Resilient House to be built on the BRE Innovation Park.

“The flood resilience capability of the construction sector is similar to where we were with energy efficiency in the 1970s” says Dr Garvin. “This project will play an important role in demonstrating that flood resilient properties can be attractive, affordable and work technically.”

The property will be partially set within a raised tank that can be artificially flooded to show construction techniques materials that are either resistant to water or resilient to the effects of being inundated. It is designed with a hybrid of resilient and resistant technologies and details. The property will be resistant to flooding to a depth of 600mm. Once water levels exceed 600mm the water is allowed to enter into the property through predetermined entry points. The inside of the house is designed to be flood resilient up to a notional flood level.

The property will play an important role in improving and establishing flood resilient standards. It was commissioned by DEFRA and designed by Baca Architects, the practice behind the Amphibious House in association with flood management technologies specialist Aquobex.

As the project moves into detailed design, the team are currently seeking new technologies and innovations that can be demonstrated in the property.